For immediate releaseWashington, D.C. – May 18, 2012 – In 2009 the American Institute of Architects (AIA) introduced the 2030 Commitment Program, a voluntary initiative for AIA member firms and other entities in the built environment that asks these organizations to make a pledge, develop multi-year action plans, and implement steps that can advance AIA’s goal of carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030. At the end of the 2011 calendar year, firms were asked to submit an assessment of their 2011 design work using a tool released by the AIA two years ago.

“We are encouraged to see such a large increase in the number of firms reporting their data, as well as the amount of square footage accounted for in this report,” said AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ivy, FAIA. “But we are still a long way from our target goals for reduced carbon emissions in buildings. Integrating energy modeling into the design process is the best way for architects to implement strategies to reduce energy consumption in their projects and educate their clients of potential for savings on utility costs over the entire lifecycle of the building.”

104 firms submitted reports – an 86% increase in the number of reports received in 2010656 million gross square feet (GSF) represented in this data – a 70% increase from 201057% of total GSF using energy modeling to predict operational energy consumption45% of total gross square footage for which actual energy use will be collected – a 9% increase from 201034.6% average Predicted Energy Use Intensity reduction reported by firms21% average firm reduction in Lighting Power Density for interior projects12.8% of total gross square footage meeting the current 60% carbon reduction target

The full report also contains participating firm demographics, energy reduction initiatives undertaken by firms and anecdotal accounts of the challenges and lessons learned through participating in the 2030 Commitment Program.

On Friday, May 18th, at 4:00 there is the convention session (FR 318):

AIA Architects’ Guide to Integrating Energy Modeling into the Design ProcessThe AIA Energy Modeling Practice Guide serves to not only demystify energy modeling in general but also to provide tips and information that will help architects to better discuss energy modeling; the assumptions, the process, the tools and what the output means to potential design decisions - with their engineers, energy modelers, consultants, contractors, code officials and clients. The anticipated publication of the guide is late summer, 2012.

About The American Institute of ArchitectsFor over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit http://www.aia.org.

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